If you are a commercial renter, and you deal with a property management agency or property manager – you have a unique relationship that needs to be nurtured and respected. A good relationship with your property manager will ensure you have a wonderful stay at this property. A bad relationship, will leave you both unhappy and unproductive.
When moving into the property, be sure to politely reach out to your property manager with a friendly “Hello!” and provide the best contact information for your business. You want to make sure the lines of communication are open. If your property manager can contact you easily, it might mean they take your calls quicker later down the road. You don’t need to be your property manager’s best friend. But, you should immediately demonstrate your ability to work with them. Let them know about any special circumstances concerns you may have. Will children be in the space? Do you have employees with special needs? An odd work schedule? Let them know.
When a problem or situation arises in your commercial rental unit, contact the property manager immediately. Depending on your rental agreement, you might be able to handle the crisis yourself. Still, you want to make the property manager aware of it ASAP. Once they are aware of the situation, give them a professional amount of time to handle the problem. Don’t keep calling, avoid pestering or annoying your property manager or agency. Some property managers have several properties, or this is a side-job or part-time situation for them. Contact them with issues that they are obligated to address in the lease agreement. Be polite, professional, and businesslike when you do contact them.
You should understand this is a business relationship and you need to maintain some boundaries. If your property manager is not responding to your needs, you should discuss it with him/her before going to the landlord or outside assistance. If you are supposed to have your sidewalks shoveled within 12 hours of snow-fall, then that is what should be done. Don’t bend too often, or you might find yourself bending always.
A property manager, like landlord, is there to ensure your commercial space arrangement is exactly what you are paying for…with your help! If the two of you work in tandem, you will ensure a safe, secure, and stress-free business relationship.
If you are looking for commercial, retail or office space in the Charlotte, Fort Mill, Boone, Myrtle Beach, or Concord area, please give Kuester a call!
Kuester Companies
Corporate Office
1300 Altura Road
Fort Mill, SC 29708
tel: 704.973.9019
toll free: 888.600.5044
fax: 803.802.0005
Kuester Companies
Coastal Office
1200 48th Avenue North; Suite 102
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
tel: 843.839.9704
toll free: 888.600.5044
fax: 843.839.9706
Kuester Companies
South Park Office
6600 Central Pacific Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28210
tel: 704.973.9016
toll free: 888.600.5044
fax: 704.552.1008
Kuester Companies
Boone, NC Office
178 Highway #105 Extension Suite 201
Boone, NC 28607
tel: 803.578.7725
toll free: 888.600.5044
Kuester Companies
Concord Office
9505 Moss Plantation Avenue
Concord, NC 28027
tel: 704.973.9017
toll free: 888.600.5044
Showing posts with label fort mill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fort mill. Show all posts
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What do HOA Fees Cover?
Dear Property Manager:
My wife and are about to buy a home in Fort Mill, SC. We are choosing between 2 we really like and the both have homeowner's associations. We are first-time homebuyers and we aren't really sure what the HOA fees generally cover. The two neighborhoods are similar, but the HOA fees are different. What do HOA fees cover and why could they be so different in the same town?
Mark K.
Fort Mill, SC
Dear Mark:
Congratulations on your upcoming home purchase! HOA fees generally pay for the common area routine yard maintenance, irrigation, ponds, security, street lighting, and the amenities maintenance (club houses, pools, tennis courts, walking trails, etc.), and neighborhood events.
Homeowners Associations are tasked with making sure HOA fees are being used properly for both routine and non-routine upkeep of the neighborhood. Routine maintenance may include lawn mowing and basic landscaping in the summer, and salting roads on icy winter days. And the non-routine things like if large trees need to be trimmed, the pool needs a repair, the HOA fees may be used to hire contractors.
If you are comparing two similar neighborhoods in the same town, but they have different HOA fees, then perhaps there is a 1 time up-front fee when you buy your home, larger fines, or maybe the amenities are different (i.e. one may have a small outside pool, and the other may have both an indoor and outdoor pool.).
The best thing to do is to get both HOA agreements are read them side by side and if you are still having trouble understanding the cost discrepancy, check with your Realtor and/or real estate attorney. They are both expert in home-buying and will be able to see if the costs make sense.
Property Manager
www.kuester.com
My wife and are about to buy a home in Fort Mill, SC. We are choosing between 2 we really like and the both have homeowner's associations. We are first-time homebuyers and we aren't really sure what the HOA fees generally cover. The two neighborhoods are similar, but the HOA fees are different. What do HOA fees cover and why could they be so different in the same town?
Mark K.
Fort Mill, SC
Dear Mark:
Congratulations on your upcoming home purchase! HOA fees generally pay for the common area routine yard maintenance, irrigation, ponds, security, street lighting, and the amenities maintenance (club houses, pools, tennis courts, walking trails, etc.), and neighborhood events.
Homeowners Associations are tasked with making sure HOA fees are being used properly for both routine and non-routine upkeep of the neighborhood. Routine maintenance may include lawn mowing and basic landscaping in the summer, and salting roads on icy winter days. And the non-routine things like if large trees need to be trimmed, the pool needs a repair, the HOA fees may be used to hire contractors.
If you are comparing two similar neighborhoods in the same town, but they have different HOA fees, then perhaps there is a 1 time up-front fee when you buy your home, larger fines, or maybe the amenities are different (i.e. one may have a small outside pool, and the other may have both an indoor and outdoor pool.).
The best thing to do is to get both HOA agreements are read them side by side and if you are still having trouble understanding the cost discrepancy, check with your Realtor and/or real estate attorney. They are both expert in home-buying and will be able to see if the costs make sense.
Property Manager
www.kuester.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
What to Look: Commercial Property Manager
Dear Property Manager:
We need a property management company to take over the small property in Fort Mill that we own and lease out. What should I look for in a company? How do I find the perfect fit?
Steve X.
Fort Mill
Dear Steve:
For For the perfect fit, a property management company's expertise should match your needs. Is your property a real estate investment an office? It doesn't sound like you have an industrial building, a multifamily housing complex, or retail center--but is important when finding a good match to find a company that specializes in your type of space. You should also consider if your building have a vacancy, maintenance, marketing or other challenge, which will make filling it difficult.
Investigate the experience of a firms you are considering by asking what other properties like yours it manages. Be sure to ask long it has managed the properties, and what have been the results of its management--and if possible, visit them to investigate how they have been maintained.
Be sure to ask about the type of investors with whom the property management company usually works. Does it manage for individual property owners or does it specialize in working with larger companies? You need to know if the commercial property managers have expertise in the type of investor you are as well as your type of property, because they are handled so differently.
Investigate the firm's reputation, check references, and track records. Ask about insurance and accreditation and the education of the people directly handling your property. Also, get a list and description of all the services they offer, and if they are bundled, or offered a la carte.
And then, when you have asked all your questions, ask one more of them: Do they think you and your property would be a good fit for them?
Property Manager
Are you a good fit for us?
www.kuester.com
We need a property management company to take over the small property in Fort Mill that we own and lease out. What should I look for in a company? How do I find the perfect fit?
Steve X.
Fort Mill
Dear Steve:
For For the perfect fit, a property management company's expertise should match your needs. Is your property a real estate investment an office? It doesn't sound like you have an industrial building, a multifamily housing complex, or retail center--but is important when finding a good match to find a company that specializes in your type of space. You should also consider if your building have a vacancy, maintenance, marketing or other challenge, which will make filling it difficult.
Investigate the experience of a firms you are considering by asking what other properties like yours it manages. Be sure to ask long it has managed the properties, and what have been the results of its management--and if possible, visit them to investigate how they have been maintained.
Be sure to ask about the type of investors with whom the property management company usually works. Does it manage for individual property owners or does it specialize in working with larger companies? You need to know if the commercial property managers have expertise in the type of investor you are as well as your type of property, because they are handled so differently.
Investigate the firm's reputation, check references, and track records. Ask about insurance and accreditation and the education of the people directly handling your property. Also, get a list and description of all the services they offer, and if they are bundled, or offered a la carte.
And then, when you have asked all your questions, ask one more of them: Do they think you and your property would be a good fit for them?
Property Manager
Are you a good fit for us?
www.kuester.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tips for Negotiating a Commercial Real Estate Lease
Dear Property Manager,
My husband and I are considering buying a franchise. We have both owned small businesses before, but we do not know anything about negotiating a commercial lease, what we can ask for, what is included, what are our responsibilities, etc. Can you give us a few pointers on commercial property leases?
Mary K.
Fort Mill, SC
Dear Mary K.
Depending on the type of franchise, the area director for that company may very well be able to assist you in finding a negotiating the commercial lease. Commercial tenants almost always look to their landlords to provide them more than just the right to occupy space. Landlords, (and/or the property management companies) frequently provide a number of services. The landlord may "build out" the leased space for the tenant's specific use--creating the look and feel you want and the functionality you need to run your business.
Commercial property owners will also probably provide heating and air conditioning, cleaning, utilities, and telephone and Internet services. Maintenance and repair of the leased property and the surrounding premises including the parking lots and common areas are also generally the landlord's responsibility. This includes the parking lot, pothole repair, lawn and landscape, elevators and security. These are all things that should be clearly spelled out in your lease agreement.
Now, your responsibilities is probably no more than keeping the space well maintained and paying for use of the leased space and the bundled services--and doing so on time!
To have some assurance that a tenant gets what it was told it would get and what it is paying for, every commercial lease should at least:
State in detail landlord's responsibilities to tenant. Things like when the heating and air conditioning will be on and how the property will be kept secure.
Describe what happens if the contract is broken. The lease should define what constitutes a default by the landlord and/or the tenant, as well as provide a method for a quick, inexpensive and final resolution to any disputes.
The best advice is to read the lease thoroughly and go over it with your real estate attorney. A tenant should be sure that these issues are addressed in a proposed lease to avoid any future questions or disputes.
Best of luck, and please contact Kuester if you would like to know what properties may be available in the Fort Mill area.
Property Manager
www.kuester.com
My husband and I are considering buying a franchise. We have both owned small businesses before, but we do not know anything about negotiating a commercial lease, what we can ask for, what is included, what are our responsibilities, etc. Can you give us a few pointers on commercial property leases?
Mary K.
Fort Mill, SC
Dear Mary K.
Depending on the type of franchise, the area director for that company may very well be able to assist you in finding a negotiating the commercial lease. Commercial tenants almost always look to their landlords to provide them more than just the right to occupy space. Landlords, (and/or the property management companies) frequently provide a number of services. The landlord may "build out" the leased space for the tenant's specific use--creating the look and feel you want and the functionality you need to run your business.
Commercial property owners will also probably provide heating and air conditioning, cleaning, utilities, and telephone and Internet services. Maintenance and repair of the leased property and the surrounding premises including the parking lots and common areas are also generally the landlord's responsibility. This includes the parking lot, pothole repair, lawn and landscape, elevators and security. These are all things that should be clearly spelled out in your lease agreement.
Now, your responsibilities is probably no more than keeping the space well maintained and paying for use of the leased space and the bundled services--and doing so on time!
To have some assurance that a tenant gets what it was told it would get and what it is paying for, every commercial lease should at least:
State in detail landlord's responsibilities to tenant. Things like when the heating and air conditioning will be on and how the property will be kept secure.
Describe what happens if the contract is broken. The lease should define what constitutes a default by the landlord and/or the tenant, as well as provide a method for a quick, inexpensive and final resolution to any disputes.
The best advice is to read the lease thoroughly and go over it with your real estate attorney. A tenant should be sure that these issues are addressed in a proposed lease to avoid any future questions or disputes.
Best of luck, and please contact Kuester if you would like to know what properties may be available in the Fort Mill area.
Property Manager
www.kuester.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Rental Property for Toy Store
Dear Property Manager –
I am launching a specialty toy store and am looking for a rental property in the northeast of York County, S.C.. I’ve done my business plan and know approximately how much I can pay per square foot. The only thing I need to decide now is where, and what type of location. Any advice?
Marge W., Charlotte, NC.
Dear Marge –
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but running a retail operation is all about location, location, location, unless you’re a destination business. As you know, you are fighting the competition of both big box and online toy retailers. That being said, specialty toy shops hold special magic for both parents and children that can lead to dynamic business.
A toy store is a destination during the holidays, but the rest of the year, it must be in a high traffic area, so you’ll want to consider either a busy downtown location with heavy foot traffic, a mall or a shopping plaza. The building also needs adequate restroom facilities, easy access for truck deliveries, ample parking and no obstacles for strollers. For each location you consider, investigate what other nearby businesses draw the type of clientele you’re targeting. Is there a family-friendly restaurant? A children’s clothing or shoe store? A pet store? A candy or book store? A pediatrician or dentist? These types of businesses offer a synergy that would be mutually beneficial
We manage a number of retail sites that provide the amenities you are seeking. One that comes to mind immediately is the Shoppes at Towne Square, located at in the heart of Fort Mill at 200 Doby's Bridge Road. This property has up to 2000 square ft. available for rent, great visibility from three sides, and is located in a high-end residential neighborhood where several of the retailers would fit the “synergy” criteria.
We’d be happy to meet with you to review your specifications and show you this and other properties that meet your needs. Please give us a call at (803) 802-2004.
With best regards,
Property Manager
Kuester
I am launching a specialty toy store and am looking for a rental property in the northeast of York County, S.C.. I’ve done my business plan and know approximately how much I can pay per square foot. The only thing I need to decide now is where, and what type of location. Any advice?
Marge W., Charlotte, NC.
Dear Marge –
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but running a retail operation is all about location, location, location, unless you’re a destination business. As you know, you are fighting the competition of both big box and online toy retailers. That being said, specialty toy shops hold special magic for both parents and children that can lead to dynamic business.
A toy store is a destination during the holidays, but the rest of the year, it must be in a high traffic area, so you’ll want to consider either a busy downtown location with heavy foot traffic, a mall or a shopping plaza. The building also needs adequate restroom facilities, easy access for truck deliveries, ample parking and no obstacles for strollers. For each location you consider, investigate what other nearby businesses draw the type of clientele you’re targeting. Is there a family-friendly restaurant? A children’s clothing or shoe store? A pet store? A candy or book store? A pediatrician or dentist? These types of businesses offer a synergy that would be mutually beneficial
We manage a number of retail sites that provide the amenities you are seeking. One that comes to mind immediately is the Shoppes at Towne Square, located at in the heart of Fort Mill at 200 Doby's Bridge Road. This property has up to 2000 square ft. available for rent, great visibility from three sides, and is located in a high-end residential neighborhood where several of the retailers would fit the “synergy” criteria.
We’d be happy to meet with you to review your specifications and show you this and other properties that meet your needs. Please give us a call at (803) 802-2004.
With best regards,
Property Manager
Kuester
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Kuester: One Sixty West
Dear Property Manager,
I live in Fort Mill, SC and have seen the signs for One Sixty West. Can you tell me a little about this project, what is it for? and when it will be done? I like to see the Fort Mill area growing, but since the economy has slowed down, I am wondering what kind of building this is going to be, and if there is a business that will be moving in right away.
Thank you for your answer,
James, Fort Mill, SC
Dear James,
Thank you for the questions.
We believe, as you do, that commercial progress is a positive for our community, but only when the buildings and construction are necessary. We carefully debate each project, making sure that it adds to the community, and represents our values before we begin.
Read more about the Kuester Values.
The One Sixty West Building is an 18,000 square foot, two story building, on Rt 160 in Fort Mill, and it will be ready for tenants in March 2009. This building will house the Kuester companies in about 6,000 square feet. Then about 9,000 square feet on the first floor will be leased as office space. We are proud to announce that as of today, the building has been completely leased out.
Thanks again for your question, and please let me know if there is anything else we can help you with.
Property Manager
Kuester Property Management
I live in Fort Mill, SC and have seen the signs for One Sixty West. Can you tell me a little about this project, what is it for? and when it will be done? I like to see the Fort Mill area growing, but since the economy has slowed down, I am wondering what kind of building this is going to be, and if there is a business that will be moving in right away.
Thank you for your answer,
James, Fort Mill, SC
Dear James,Thank you for the questions.
We believe, as you do, that commercial progress is a positive for our community, but only when the buildings and construction are necessary. We carefully debate each project, making sure that it adds to the community, and represents our values before we begin.
Read more about the Kuester Values.
The One Sixty West Building is an 18,000 square foot, two story building, on Rt 160 in Fort Mill, and it will be ready for tenants in March 2009. This building will house the Kuester companies in about 6,000 square feet. Then about 9,000 square feet on the first floor will be leased as office space. We are proud to announce that as of today, the building has been completely leased out.
Thanks again for your question, and please let me know if there is anything else we can help you with.
Property Manager
Kuester Property Management
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